PREVIEW: Denver at Rochester

Denver:The Outlaws were able to fend off Chesapeake (9-6) as the Bayhawks battled back in the second half of last week’s game. An outstanding performance by Jesse Schwartzman and an unbelievable two-point shot by Michael Simon secured Denver’s fifteenth straight home win, and improved their season record to 6-1.

Rochester:The Rattlers defeated the Florida Launch last weekend in a 18-13 victory. With an enormous seven-point contribution by Jordan Wolf, Rochester was able to secure their second place in the league standings with a 5-3 record.

Storylines:

Protect the House: The Rattlers are second in the league behind the Outlaws. Rochester has not lost a home game all year. In fact, four of their five wins were at Sahlen’s Stadium. While Denver has only lost one game this whole season, they were on the road and playing Charlotte, a team with a far weaker record than the Rattlers. Will Rochester continue their home winning streak and come one step closer to dethroning the Outlaws, or will Denver solidify their spot on top?

In the Net: After Jesse Schwartzman’s amazing game last weekend, it was made very clear why the Outlaw goalie is the best in the league. With a .663 save percentage, getting shots against Denver can be a battle. Fifth out of the ten goalies in the league, Galloway only has a .547 save percentage. Seeing as he has had the most play time of any keeper this season by almost an entire half of a game, Galloway has had plenty of opportunities to prove himself. After being swept away in their last encounter (8-14), it will be up to Galloway and the Rattler defense to rise to the occasion if they hope to stand a chance against the Outlaws.

Smooth Transitions: During Denver’s last game part of the reason Chesapeake made such a comeback was because of the forced turnovers they were making. The Outlaws errors would have cost them the game if they hadn’t recovered so well. As the Rattlers climb into second place, Denver should beware that Rochester’s skills cannot be underestimated. While the may not have the most goals or the most points in the league, the Rattlers lead in groundballs (261) by nearly 30. These 50-50 opportunities are crucial to take advantage of in close games. If Denver doesn’t clean it up, they could be looking at a second defeat.

Players to Watch:

Denver: It’s no secret that Jesse Schwartzman is one of the best goalies in the league. For the second time this season he has been recognized as the Warrior Defensive Player of the Week. With a .82 save percentage in his last game against the Bayhawks and 8.50 goals against average, Schwartzman is a brick wall when it comes to defending his net. The Rattlers are now in second for the league and will be looking to dethrone the number one seed. It will be up to Schwartzman to continue his amazing performance if Denver hopes to be victorious.

Rochester:

After his stellar performance last week, fans should keep an eye on rookie Jordan Wolf. He already has twelve points from his two games played this season, and has established himself as both a dangerous threat and a team player on attack, his stats split between six assists and six goals. With two phenomenal games under his belt, a Cascade Rookie of the Week and a Coca-Cola Player of the Game award, Wolf is expected to carry his momentum into this weeks contest.

Statistical Leaders:

Denver: Eric Law leads the Outlaws in both total points (33) and goals (22), while Anthony Kelly and Matt Bocklet are tied for groundballs (38). Kelly also has an incredible .55 face off percentage, the third best in the league.

Rochester: Justin Turri leads the Rattlers in overall points (23), while Kevin Leveille has the highest number of goals (13). Faceoff specialist John Ortolani is responsible for an impressive 50 groundballs and a .50 percent face off win percentage.

2013 Season Series:

Denver defeated Rochester in both of their games last year. First the Rattlers fell to the Outlaws in the mile-high city, losing 7-20. Then, Rochester lost on their home field, losing 9-12 in their second encounter with Denver.

Fun Facts:

Rochester: The Rattlers haven’t lost a home game all season.

Denver: Eric Law is four goals away from his 50th career goal.

Heading to the Game?

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